To assess infrared heater cost, you need to consider both the purchase price and what follows. The initial outlay is manageable, installation is straightforward and maintenance needs are minimal. Over the years, electricity is the largest expense. This guide breaks down each cost with worked examples, so you know what to budget for before you buy.
You will see what the heater, installation and controls cost, how to calculate monthly and annual electricity costs, and what the figures look like for a 100-square-metre property.
Infrared heating: costs at a glance
The total cost of infrared heating has four parts. You pay for three of them once; electricity is an ongoing cost.
| Component | When you pay | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Heater | One-off | According to ADAC, around €65 to €650 per heater; design-led models can cost more |
| Installation and connection | One-off | Low for plug-in heaters; a qualified installer is needed to hardwire the heater |
| Thermostat | One-off | Varies by type, from a plug-in thermostat to a smart thermostat |
| Electricity | Ongoing | Power multiplied by operating time and electricity price |
| Maintenance | Ongoing | Virtually no annual maintenance costs |
The figures for heater prices and maintenance come from the ADAC guide to infrared heating (as of September 2025). For a 100-square-metre house, it gives total costs of €3,000 to €6,000, including labour and accessories.
What does an infrared heater cost to buy?
The price depends mainly on power, finish and build quality. A small 300 W heater for a guest bathroom costs considerably less than a larger glass-fronted model for a living room.
- Power and size: Higher power means a larger heating area and a higher price.
- Finish: Powder-coated metal costs less than glass or a mirror finish.
- Controls: Some models have a built-in thermostat; others need an external one.
- Warranty and build quality: A longer warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in its heating element.
Include the cost of a thermostat from the outset. Without temperature control, a heater runs longer than necessary, which can cost more over time than the thermostat itself. Our guide to infrared heater thermostats explains the available options.
Getting the power right
An undersized heater may run continuously without reaching your chosen temperature. An oversized heater costs more than necessary to buy. As a starting point, allow about 100 W per square metre in an insulated room with a 2.4 m ceiling. Older buildings, large areas of glazing and higher ceilings may require more power.
Mounting and installation
Installation is where an infrared heater has its greatest cost advantage over central heating. It needs no boiler room, pipework or chimney. The heater is mounted on a wall or ceiling and connected to the electricity supply.
You can mount a plug-in heater yourself. If you want it hardwired, for example to avoid a visible cable or for use in a bathroom, a qualified electrician should make the connection. If you plan to install several heaters in your home, an electrical contractor should also check that the circuits can handle their combined power.
For guidance on where to position your heater, see our guide to clearances and placement.
Infrared heater cost: electricity use
Electricity use is the main factor in infrared heater cost. To calculate it, multiply the heater’s power in kilowatts by the hours it runs, then by your electricity price per kilowatt-hour.
| Power | Daily consumption | Daily cost | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 W | 1.2 kWh | €0.42 | €12.60 |
| 600 W | 2.4 kWh | €0.84 | €25.20 |
| 900 W | 3.6 kWh | €1.26 | €37.80 |
These examples assume four hours of running time per day over 30 days, at 35 cents per kilowatt-hour. They are worked examples; use your own tariff to estimate your costs. Because the thermostat switches the heater on and off, its running time is shorter than the time you spend using the room.
Example: a 6-square-metre bathroom
For an insulated bathroom of 6 square metres, the guideline indicates a 600 W heater. If it runs for a total of two hours a day, split between morning and evening, it uses 1.2 kWh per day. That amounts to 36 kWh and €12.60 per month. You can use the same calculation to estimate costs for any room before buying. In a bathroom, the heater must be approved for its intended location.
For more examples of hourly, monthly and annual use, see our guide to infrared heater electricity consumption.
Infrared heater cost for a 100 m² home
If you heat an entire flat or house, the building’s heat demand determines the cost. An infrared heater converts one kilowatt-hour of electricity into one kilowatt-hour of heat, so its electricity use is approximately equal to the heat demand.
| Building | Assumed heat demand | Electricity per year | Cost at 35 cents per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very well-insulated new build | 40 kWh per m² per year | 4,000 kWh | €1,400 |
| Renovated older property | 80 kWh per m² per year | 8,000 kWh | €2,800 |
| Poorly insulated older property | 150 kWh per m² per year | 15,000 kWh | €5,250 |
The heat demand figures are illustrative assumptions. You can find the figure for your building in its energy performance certificate. The table shows why insulation matters: electricity costs remain more manageable in a well-insulated home, while direct electric heating becomes expensive as the sole source of heat in a poorly insulated older property.
Maintenance and lifetime
An infrared heater has no moving parts, burner or water circuit. It needs no chimney sweep or annual servicing. An occasional wipe of the surface is enough.
ADAC, the German motoring association, gives a typical lifetime of 15 to 20 years. Check the warranty before buying: Opranic P5 and P7 have a five-year warranty on the heater and heating element; the P6 Hybrid has a three-year warranty.
Comparing total infrared heater costs with other heating systems
A fair comparison considers both the upfront cost and the cost of running the system.
| Heating system | Purchase and installation | Running costs |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared heating | Low, with no pipework required | Electricity supplies all the heat; little maintenance |
| Heat pump | High, with professional installation | Around a third as much electricity for the same heat; regular maintenance |
| Gas heating | Moderate, with a gas connection and flue required | Gas, maintenance and chimney sweep fees |
When you need less heat, the higher cost of electricity has less effect on the total, and the lower upfront cost matters more. With greater heat demand, the balance shifts. For the technical background, see our guide to the energy efficiency of infrared heating.
Is funding available in Germany?
According to ADAC, the German motoring association, no government heating grants are currently available for infrared heaters in Germany (as of September 2025). Direct electric heating used as a building’s main heating system is also subject to specific requirements under Germany’s Building Energy Act. If you plan to heat an entire building, ask an energy adviser to check the current requirements first. These requirements are generally not relevant to supplementary heating in individual rooms.
How to reduce running costs
- Use a thermostat: The German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) says programmable thermostats can save about 10% of heating energy.
- Heat only the rooms you use: You can control each heater separately, so an unused guest room can remain cool.
- Check the temperature: Each degree you lower the temperature reduces energy use. Find a setting that feels comfortable to you.
- Position the heater carefully: It should radiate into the area you use without being obstructed.
- Compare electricity tariffs: The price per kilowatt-hour directly affects every cost calculation in this guide.
When an infrared heater can make financial sense
Before deciding what an infrared heater should cost, consider where and how you will use it. Running costs are more manageable when you need little heat or use it only occasionally: in a bathroom, home office, guest room or extension, or as supplementary heating between seasons. In a very well-insulated home, lower purchase costs may also offset higher electricity costs.
In a poorly insulated older property, an infrared heater is the most expensive option to run as the sole source of heating. It is better suited to supplementing the heating in individual rooms.
Infrared heater costs: frequently asked questions
How much does an infrared heater cost to buy?
According to ADAC, the German motoring association, a heater costs around €65 to €650. Designer models can cost more. You also need to allow for a thermostat and, if the heater is permanently wired, a qualified electrician.
How much does an infrared heater cost per month?
A 600 W heater running for four hours a day uses 72 kWh per month. At 35 cents per kWh, that costs €25.20.
When is an infrared heater worth its purchase price?
How you use the heater matters more than its purchase price. In a room you use infrequently or one that is well insulated, electricity costs remain low. A well-made heater with a long warranty can prove worthwhile over its lifetime.
Is an infrared heater more expensive than gas heating?
It usually costs less to buy, but more to run per kWh of heat because electricity costs more than gas. Which option costs less over the years depends on how much heat you need.
Are there maintenance costs?
Practically none. There are no moving parts or burners. You only need to wipe the surface when necessary.
Can solar panels reduce the cost?
Electricity from your own solar panels can reduce running costs, particularly in spring and autumn. Output is lowest in winter, so you should not expect it to cover most of your heating needs.
Estimate infrared heater costs for your room
Tell us your room size, insulation standard and how you use the space. We can recommend a suitable power rating, model and controls. Current prices are listed on the product pages for Opranic P5 Metall, P6 Hybrid and P7 Glas.
Sources: ADAC, the German motoring association (heater prices and total costs for 100 m² in Germany, maintenance, lifetime and German funding; as of September 2025); the German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) (thermostats); Opranic product information (warranties and indicative power requirements). Worked examples use assumed values. Reviewed in October 2026.
